None survive air ambulance crash in Bismarck, US
A Bismarck Air Medical aircraft crashed in a North Dakota, US, field on the night of 18 November, killing all three people on board.
A Bismarck Air Medical aircraft crashed in a North Dakota, US, field on the night of 18 November, killing all three people on board.
The twin-engine Cessna 441 plane is thought to have broken up mid-air while on its way to pick up a patient, crashing in a field around half an hour after take-off, around 20 miles northwest of Bismarck.
According to a joint statement from CHI St. Alexius Health and Bismarck Air Medical, a Bismarck Air Medical pilot and paramedic, along with a CHI St. Alexius Health registered nurse, were on board the aircraft when it crashed. Kurt Schley, CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck President, and Dan Schaefer, Bismarck Air Medical and Metro Area Ambulance Operations Chief, stated, “It is a sad day here for both of our organisations. We are grieving for the family members of those who were on board.”
The National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have both begun to investigate the crash. Early analysis by an Air Force team predicts that the aircraft may have broken up at around 14,000 feet.
Gov. Doug Burgum also issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the news of last night's airplane crash that claimed the lives of the pilot, a paramedic and a registered nurse – individuals who dedicated their lives to saving the lives of others. We are forever grateful for their service.”